Editor's Note

Conserving natural and historic sites in the United States is the principal aim of the National Park Service. From the coastline of Cape Cod National Seashore to the lava formations of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the beauty and cultural significance of these revered places reflects the strength and diversity of America itself. Our 52 national parks provide a link to the past and an escape into the natural world, where a rich diversity of plant and animal life is protected for generations to come.

In Biodiesel Magazine's cover story, staff writers Jessica Williams, Dave Nilles and Julie Bratvold report on three U.S. national parks that have made environmentally responsible decisions to use clean, renewable biodiesel. "A Power to Preserve," on page 12, profiles the exemplary efforts of Channel Islands National Park, Yellowstone National Park and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Each is making a noble effort to protect its air and water resources, in part, by using biodiesel.

Also in this issue, we catch up with Purdue University professor Bernie Tao, who together with his team of graduate and undergraduate students is developing new product applications for biodiesel and glycerin. We encourage you to discover the tireless product development efforts of "Tao's Team," on page 20.

In "Of Sunlight and Science," on page 26, contributing writer Michael Briggs of the University of New Hampshire (UNH) takes us into a fascinating world of new biodiesel production possibilities. Briggs and his UNH Biodiesel Group colleagues are exploring alternative plant feedstocks-crop residue, algae and mustard hybrids-that could open new doors for producers around the world.

This is the fourth issue of Biodiesel Magazine, and certainly one of our finest. I truly cannot thank our readers, advertisers and supporters enough for making our work as meaningful as it is. It's an honor to serve such a dynamic, growing industry.
As always, enjoy the reading.